Anne Fedorowytsch: The Facebook Interview

By Phil Dimitriadis

 

PD: Hi Anne and welcome to the Junior Footy Almanac. Could you tell us about how you came to be interested in footy?

AF: Footy first captured my heart when I was six years old. I found it impossible not to get swept up in the fanfare engulfing Adelaide when the Crows made their first grand final in 1997.

PD: You are our first non-Victorian subject. How did you come to follow the Crows? Was there a family affinity with an SANFL team?

AF: My dad jumped on board the Crows bandwagon and signed up as a member in the early 90s. Born in 1990, it was only natural for me to grow up as a Crows fan with my dad watching them week in week out. He played for Sturt in the 60s and still supports the Double Blues. I’ve gone down the unusual route of being a relatively neutral SANFL supporter and found it a good outlet to just sit back and enjoy the footy no strings attached.

PD: So what do South Australian’s really think of Victorians in footy terms?

AF: I think the general consensus is Victorians are footy mad! In fact I’m a little jealous how footy mad you all are. The footy banter here can grow stale. There are only so many Crows and Port knocks one can think of but there always seems to be a more encompassing feel about the AFL in Victoria. That being said I do think you’re all a bit one eyed!

PD: That’s understandable. We get a bit spoilt here with so many teams. Can you tell us about the background of your surname?

AF: My surname is Polish. However my dad’s parents were forced to change their last name during WWII so I’m not any part Polish!

PD: Why was that?

AF: To be honest I’m a bit sketchy on details but my grandma was German and my grandpa was French.

PD: How did you find out about the Footy Almanac and what are some of the highlights/lowlights of your first match report?

AF: I found out about the Footy Almanac online back in the early days when you could only buy the books from the publisher. I forced my mum to go down to their office in the city to buy me a copy. It was here she told the story of her footy mad daughter and I was suggested to contact John Harms about getting my writing in the book.

I was fairly confident going into the match of my first report having already written a weekly blog on the Crows website. However having read some of the previous reports I was worried about whether my entry would be engaging and funny enough. The highlight was sending through my completed report knowing that my writing would be published in a book.

PD: Fantastic. You’ve graduated in Journalism and Public Relations. Are you still writing and what would you like to write about in the future?

AF: Yes that’s correct. I graduated at the beginning of the year and this season is the first since 2008 I haven’t produced my weekly blog for the Crows. In between making a buck, travelling to Ballarat to visit my boyfriend and watching the Crows, I have written a handful of pieces for the Footy Almanac website.
My dream job would be working in communications for an AFL club. I did an internship with the Crows last year and really enjoyed my time there and putting together a couple of feature articles for their website. I am also passionate about social media and would like to explore this work wise.

PD: Exciting times ahead Anne. Who are some of your favourite writers/journalists?

AF: One of my favourite journalists is Peter Walsh from ABC Grandstand. I had the pleasure of completing an internship with him and Roger Wills last year. Walshy is a superb mentor and I was continually in awe of his work. His interviewing skills are like no other as I rarely saw him with pre planned questions or notes on his interviewee. He simply goes off of listening to his talent.

A couple of favourite writers of mine are Gerard Whately and John Harms. Yes both are Cats fans but both have such a way with words and storytelling that they can make any anecdote enchanting.

PD: Who are some of your favourite players and how do you see the game evolving?

AF: I’ve generally had a soft spot for the underdogs. Guys who are generally regarded purely as ‘solid’ footy players. The Kris Massie, Nathan Basset and Jason Torney’s from a few years ago. This is still relevant today with my soft spots for the likes of RIchard Douglas, David Mackay and Ricky Henderson. But if I had to pick one favourite player I would have to go with Taylor Walker. He is pure footy!
I can see the game evolving and becoming an even bigger part of our homes. Now we have footy 24/7 on FoxFooty as well as clubs such as Essendon now producing their own TV shows. Footy is always with us on our phones and I think advancements of technology will only see people consuming more and more footy.

PD: Do you think we can have too much footy?

AF: I’m going to say no. You can always choose how much or how little footy you want in your life. When I was a teenager footy was everything to me. With few other commitments I found footy to be an outlet of emotion for me. Then late last year along came my boyfriend and suddenly I found my priorities changing. Since, I’ve found a happy balance and have worked, and will always work, footy into my life as a crucial clog.

PD: What are some of your favourite movies, TV, bands and Apps?

AF: My favourite movie is Crazy, Stupid Love with Steve Carrel, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. I’m also a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

My favourite TV show is Offspring but I’m also a sucker for a reality TV show including Giulianna and Bill, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, The Real Housewives, and Bethenny. Oh and I can’t forget AFL360.

I love Lady GaGa and Beyonce.

I’m huge fan of Instagram and love editing and sharing my photos with other people.

PD: What advice would you give to budding young Footy Almanac writers?

AF: My advice is simple: Go out and get as much experience as you can! It is through work place experience where you discover what you’re really interested in to pursue. For example, I was always keen to become a sports journalist but having done placements in the industry I found I would prefer to work with sports organisations and not necessarily against them.

Additionally keep writing, keep reading, show your writing to others and take on constructive criticism. Be open to new ideas and pay attention in English.

PD: Anne, really appreciate your participation and insights. Thank you.

AF: It was my pleasure! Thanks for having me. I am very flattered.

Comments

  1. Great stuff. Anne – can you explain why your favourite movie is about Richmond supporters?
    Is there a piece coming up about mixed club/state relationships – the Catholic Church took a very dim view of this up to the 60’s. I am broadminded, but a Victorian Saints supporter living in Ballarat???
    Or is that the Crazy Stupid Love connection?
    Enjoy your writing a lot, and you will have much to Crow about this weekend. But my Eagles will win the return game in the first week of the Finals.

  2. Ben Footner says

    After 2 years we can finally say the ‘F’ word again Anne!

    13 wins = we’re definitely playing Finals!

  3. Neil Belford says

    Grat stuff Anne – seems like only yesterday John and Paul kicked the Almanac off and there it is as a central thread in your career path. Just the sort of thing old people say I guess

  4. Lord Bogan says

    Anne, you seem to be a highly intelligent young lady. Can you explain what you like about Dumbing Down with the Kardashians?

  5. Real housewives of NJ are my faves, so much drama!

  6. Lord Bogan says

    Danni, its hard for me to admit this, but the other night I watched an entire episode of Mob Wives and kinda liked it. Sad, but true.

  7. hahaha i dont blame you my Lord!

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